Reasons Truck Accidents Happen
I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Stockton. Stockton residents may be seeing a surge in the number of large trucks on the road, as well as the rest of the state. Because the economy has been improving, along with manufacturing, it has increased the demand for vehicles to haul freight. In 2017, the demand for Class 8 vehicles, the heaviest trucks on the road, rose 59 percent. While this is positive news for business, it means more trucks on the road. That can translate into more danger.
Injuries Suffered in Collisions With Big Trucks
An accident between a motor vehicle and a big truck frequently causes serious injuries. When the accident is caused by a truck driver who was negligent or by the company that employs the driver, an injury victim may decide to recover compensation to cover medical bills and other associated expenses. This is when it is a good idea to contact an attorney experienced with truck collisions.
Major Reasons for Truck Crashes
Data from almost 1,000 accidents in 17 states was gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on truck crashes to determine the factors that led to accidents. As a result of the study, the following reasons were cited:
- Problems with brakes contributed to 29 percent of accidents.
- Speeding contributed to 23 percent.
- Unfamiliarity with the roadway was a factor in 22 percent of crashes.
- Road problems such as maintenance and defects caused 20 percent of accidents.
- Use of drugs considered OTC contributed to 17 percent of crashes.
- Failure to spot approaching traffic can include making lane changes or passing through intersections and accounts for 14 percent of accidents.
- Fatigue was deemed a factor in 13 percent of the crashes.
- Ten percent of the accidents were caused by pressure from the employer.
- Nine percent of the crashes were caused by inattention and by making a maneuver that was illegal.
- Distractions caused 8 percent of the accidents.
Other causes of truck accidents included tire problems such as blowouts, tailgating, shifting cargo and use of drugs or drunk driving. Jackknifing accounted for 5 percent of the accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in addition, reported 322 fatalities as a result of collisions with a large truck in 2016. Using more precautions when driving may help lower that number as well as the number of injuries.
Tips for Truck Drivers
Driving a large truck requires skill and attention on the part of the operator, and most drivers do that well. However, a few tips from the FMCSA may help a truck driver avoid a crash.
- Keep a close watch on the no-zone. Not all motorists realize they should not pace a truck along the side. Unfortunately, a truck driver may forget they are there and decide to switch lanes at the wrong time.
- Look 15 seconds ahead. Keeping watch on traffic moving in front can give clues as to whether the truck driver needs to slow down or stop.
- Drive defensively. Since the majority of accidents are caused by motor vehicles, this is good advice.
- Use extra caution at intersections. Since over 14 percent of accidents involving large trucks were found to happen at intersections, it makes sense to be careful.
- Keep a close eye on your mirrors. Double check them when lane changing, turning or merging.
Related Articles by Stockton Truck Accident Attorney, Ed Smith:
Truck Accident Lawyer in Stockton
I’m Ed Smith, a truck accident lawyer in Stockton. Truck accidents can result in serious injuries or cause the death of a loved one. When you have been injured, phone me at (209) 227-1931 or at (800) 404-5400 for friendly, free legal advice. I can be contacted online also at my website, AutoAccident.com.
Over my 35-year career as an injury lawyer, I’ve assisted many citizens of Stockton and San Joaquin County with their personal injury cases, including traumatic injuries such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
To find helpful information about my law practice, please visit my page on settlements and verdicts. Clients have posted comments and reviews at: Avvo, Yelp, Google.
A group I belong to at milliondollaradvocates.com is reserved for those trial lawyers with settlements or verdicts of at least one million dollars, awarded to their clients.
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